From bright globular clusters to delicate spiral galaxies, and even a chance to catch some shooting stars, April offers plenty of reasons to spend a little extra time under the stars.>
Below, we’ll walk through each event — including when to look, where to find it, and how to make the most of each celestial moment.
8 Skywatching Highlights to Catch This April
April 1 – The Sombrero Galaxy (M104) hits its highest point. This bright, hat-shaped galaxy in Virgo is a classic target for small telescopes.
April 4 – Messier 94 (M94), a compact spiral galaxy in Canes Venatici, is well-placed for viewing. Best seen from the Northern Hemisphere.
April 12 – The Full Pink Moon rises. While it won’t actually look pink, it’s a seasonal favorite — and this year, it’s also a micromoon, appearing slightly smaller in the sky.
April 14 – Don’t miss the Whirlpool Galaxy (M51) at its best. Look near the end of the Big Dipper’s handle to catch this beautiful spiral and its companion.
April 16 – Southern Hemisphere stargazers are in luck — Messier 83 (M83), the Southern Pinwheel Galaxy, reaches its peak in the constellation Hydra.
April 17 – The bright globular cluster M3 climbs high in the sky. This dense ball of ancient stars is a great binocular or small telescope target.
April 21–22 – The Lyrids Meteor Shower peaks overnight. Expect up to 18 meteors per hour, with minimal interference from the waning Moon.
April 22 – The expansive Pinwheel Galaxy (M101) reaches its highest point. It’s a subtle beauty near Ursa Major, best viewed under dark skies.
April 1st
Sombrero Galaxy Reaches Its Peak
April kicks off with a treat for deep-sky observers: the Sombrero Galaxy (M104) reaches its highest point in the sky on April 1, offering ideal conditions for telescope viewing.
Named for its distinctive, wide-brimmed appearance, this edge-on spiral galaxy in the constellation Virgo is one of the more striking sights in the spring sky — especially with the help of a telescope and dark skies.
Sombrero Galaxy (M104) at a Glance
- Constellation: Virgo
- Right Ascension: 12h 39m 50s
- Declination: –11° 37'
- Magnitude: 8.6
- Apparent Size: 8'26"
Located slightly south of the celestial equator, the Sombrero Galaxy is best seen from the Southern Hemisphere, but it’s also visible from most of the Northern Hemisphere — anywhere between 58°N and 81°S latitude.
When and Where to Look
M104 reaches its peak around midnight, making the late evening hours the best time to observe it. Look toward the southeastern sky around 10–11 PM and locate the constellation Virgo. The galaxy sits just west of Spica, Virgo’s brightest star. If you're unfamiliar with this part of the sky, a stargazing app or star chart can help guide your way.
If you're observing from a northern latitude, M104 will appear lower along the southern horizon. For the best view, find a location with an unobstructed southern view and minimal light pollution.
Tips for Observing the Sombrero Galaxy
- Use a Telescope: With a magnitude of 8.6, M104 is too faint for the naked eye. In binoculars, it may appear as a soft blur. A 4–6 inch telescope will reveal its bright core and the dark dust lane that gives the galaxy its iconic sombrero shape.
- Find Dark Skies: This galaxy is best seen under dark, moonless conditions. Head to a rural location or a designated dark-sky site for the best contrast.
- Use an App or Chart: Tools like SkySafari, Stellarium, or printed star maps are great for finding Virgo and hopping to M104 — especially if you’re new to navigating the night sky.
- Give Your Eyes Time: Let your eyes adjust to the dark for at least 20 minutes before observing. Avoid bright screens or lights, and consider bringing a reclining chair, a blanket, and warm layers to stay comfortable while you scan the sky.
April 4th
Messier 94 Peaks
On the night of April 4, the spiral galaxy Messier 94 (M94) reaches its highest point in the sky, making it a great deep-sky target for observers.
This compact galaxy lies in the faint constellation Canes Venatici and is best known for its bright central core and distinctive ring-like inner structure. Though subtle, it’s a fascinating sight through a telescope — especially under dark skies.
Messier 94 (M94) at a Glance
- Constellation: Canes Venatici
- Right Ascension: 12h 50m 50s
- Declination: +41° 07'
- Magnitude: 8.2
- Apparent Size: 7'44" (about one-quarter the diameter of the full Moon)
Thanks to its northern declination, M94 is best seen from the Northern Hemisphere, ideally from latitudes north of 28°S. For mid-northern observers, it climbs high into the sky and remains well placed for several hours around midnight.
How to Locate Messier 94
Start by finding the Big Dipper in the constellation Ursa Major. Trace the curve of its handle downward to locate Cor Caroli, the brightest star in Canes Venatici. From there, scan just a few degrees east to find M94.
This region of sky doesn’t have many bright stars, so a stargazing app (like Stellarium or SkySafari) or a printed star chart will make finding M94 much easier — especially if you're still getting comfortable with star-hopping.
Tips for Observing M94
- Use a telescope: At magnitude 8.2, M94 is too faint to be seen with the naked eye. A 4–6 inch telescope will clearly show its bright nucleus and soft outer glow. Binoculars might reveal it as a faint smudge under excellent conditions.
- Observe around midnight: That’s when the galaxy is at its highest point, offering the clearest and most stable view with minimal atmospheric interference.
- Seek dark skies: To truly see the detail in M94, find a dark-sky site away from city lights. Even mild light pollution can wash out its delicate halo.
- Let your eyes adapt: Spend at least 20 minutes in darkness before observing. Avoid looking at bright screens, and use a red flashlight if you need light for charts or gear.
April 12th
Full Pink Moon Lights Up the Sky
On April 12, the night sky will feature one of the month’s most charming sights: the Full Pink Moon. This year, it also happens to be a micromoon, occurring just under a day before the Moon reaches its farthest point from Earth — a position known as apogee.
Despite the name, the Moon won’t appear pink. The term “Pink Moon” comes from the spring bloom of Phlox subulata (also known as moss pink), a native wildflower in eastern North America that blossoms around this time of year.
Full Pink Moon at a Glance
- Date & Time: April 12, 2025, at 8:22 p.m. ET
- Constellation: Virgo
- Right Ascension: 13h 21m 30s
- Declination: –11° 04'
- Distance from Earth: 406,000 km (252,300 miles)
- Apparent Size: 29 arcminutes 24 arcseconds (slightly smaller than average — about 14% smaller than a supermoon)
Because this full Moon occurs just 22 hours before apogee, it qualifies as a micromoon — a full Moon that appears smaller and slightly dimmer than usual. The difference isn’t easy to spot with the naked eye, but it’s a fun contrast to the brighter supermoons earlier in the year.
It’s also the Paschal Moon, the first full Moon after the spring equinox — which plays an important role in determining the date of Easter.
How to Observe the Pink Moon
- When to Look: Step outside just after sunset to catch the Moon rising in the east. It will remain visible all night, reaching its highest point near midnight.
- Where to Look: Face the eastern horizon shortly after sunset. The Moon will steadily rise and cross the southern sky overnight. With a declination of –11°04', it appears moderately high for observers in both hemispheres — especially those at mid-latitudes.
Tips for Enhancing the Experience
- Watch the moonrise: Around sunset, the Moon is low on the horizon — and thanks to the Moon Illusion, it may look unusually large and dramatic. This is a beautiful time for photos or just taking it in.
- Use binoculars or a telescope: Even though full Moons lack shadow contrast, you can still observe large craters, lunar maria, and bright highlands. It’s a great time for casual lunar exploration.
- Try lunar photography: A smartphone paired with a tripod and manual exposure settings can yield great results. Lower the exposure to avoid blowing out detail and capture the texture of the lunar surface.
April 14th
Whirlpool Galaxy at Its Peak
On the night of April 14, skywatchers can catch one of spring’s most iconic galaxies at its best: the Whirlpool Galaxy (M51). This stunning face-on spiral reaches its highest point in the sky, offering excellent viewing conditions.
Known for its spiral structure and its close interaction with companion galaxy NGC 5195, M51 has become a favorite among amateur astronomers. Even with a modest telescope, you can begin to trace its spiral arms.
Whirlpool Galaxy (M51) at a Glance
- Constellation: Canes Venatici
- Right Ascension: 13h 29m 50s
- Declination: +47° 11'
- Magnitude: 8.4
- Apparent Size: 11 arcminutes — about one-third the diameter of the full Moon
Thanks to its northern sky position, M51 is best viewed from the Northern Hemisphere. It’s not visible much south of 22°S latitude, but for mid-to-high northern latitudes, it remains well-placed throughout the night.
How to Locate the Whirlpool Galaxy
To find M51, start with the familiar Big Dipper in Ursa Major:
- Trace the arc of the Dipper’s handle to the bright star Alkaid, at the tip.
- From Alkaid, scan just a few degrees south-southwest into the faint constellation Canes Venatici.
- M51 lies just below Alkaid and may appear as a faint smudge in binoculars under dark skies.
With a telescope, you’ll begin to see its bright core — and in excellent conditions, hints of the Whirlpool’s spiral arms and its interacting companion galaxy. A sky app like Stellarium or SkySafari, or a detailed star chart, will make locating it even easier.
Tips for Observing M51
- Use a telescope: At magnitude 8.4, M51 is not visible to the naked eye, but a 4–6 inch telescope can reveal its glow. Larger telescopes will bring out the spiral structure and its companion more clearly.
- Choose dark skies: Light pollution makes it difficult to see the galaxy’s faint details. Head to a rural location or a designated dark-sky site for the best view.
- Let your eyes adjust: Spend 20–30 minutes in darkness before observing. Use a red flashlight to preserve your night vision.
- Start low, then zoom in: Begin with low magnification to spot the galaxy. Once centered, slowly increase power to explore more structure without losing brightness.
April 16th
Southern Pinwheel Galaxy (M83) at Its Best
On the night of April 16, skywatchers in the Southern Hemisphere — and those in the lower latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere — will have a great opportunity to observe one of the brightest and most beautiful galaxies in the sky: the Southern Pinwheel Galaxy (M83). Around midnight local time, M83 reaches its highest point in the sky, making it an ideal target for telescopes and large binoculars.
Located in the constellation Hydra, M83 is a face-on spiral galaxy with a structure similar to our own Milky Way. Its sweeping spiral arms and active star-forming regions make it a visual treat — and a rewarding object for deep-sky enthusiasts.
Southern Pinwheel Galaxy (M83) at a Glance
- Constellation: Hydra
- Right Ascension: 13h 37m 00s
- Declination: –29° 52'
- Magnitude: 7.2
- Apparent Size: 13 arcminutes 36 arcseconds (about half the width of the full Moon)
Due to its southerly declination, M83 is best observed from the Southern Hemisphere, where it passes nearly overhead. It’s visible up to about 40°N latitude, but from farther north, it stays low on the southern horizon — so a clear, unobstructed view is important.
How to Find Messier 83
To locate M83 in the night sky:
- Look for Hydra, the sky’s largest constellation.
- Find Alphard, Hydra’s brightest star.
- From Alphard, scan southeast toward the space between Hydra and Centaurus.
This region isn’t densely packed with bright stars, so having a stargazing app (like SkySafari or Stellarium) or a star chart will help guide you to the right spot.
Under dark skies, M83 may appear as a soft glow through binoculars. Even a modest telescope will reveal its bright central core, and with steady conditions, hints of its spiral arms may come into view.
Tips for Observing M83
- Use appropriate gear: At magnitude 7.2, M83 is too faint for the naked eye. Under dark skies, large binoculars may reveal it, but a 4–8 inch telescope will show much more structure and detail.
- Southern sky advantage: In the Southern Hemisphere, the galaxy passes almost directly overhead at midnight. From northern locations up to ~40°N, look low in the southern sky, making sure your view is free of trees, buildings, or other obstructions.
- Prioritize dark skies: M83’s outer arms are delicate and easily lost to light pollution. For best results, observe from a rural location or an official dark-sky site.
- Protect your night vision: Give your eyes at least 20–30 minutes to adjust to the dark. Use a red flashlight or screen filter to avoid ruining your night vision during setup or navigation.
April 17th
Globular Cluster Messier 3 (M3) at Its Peak
On the night of April 17, the globular cluster Messier 3 (M3) reaches its highest point in the sky, offering excellent viewing conditions for observers.
This brilliant deep-sky object lies in the constellation Canes Venatici and is one of the most spectacular globular clusters of the spring season. Containing more than 500,000 stars, some over 11 billion years old, M3 offers a glimpse into the ancient history of our galaxy.
Messier 3 (M3) at a Glance
- Constellation: Canes Venatici
- Right Ascension: 13h 42m 10s
- Declination: +28° 22'
- Magnitude: 6.3
- Apparent Size: 16 arcminutes 12 arcseconds (a little over half the width of the full Moon)
With its position in the northern sky, M3 is best observed from the Northern Hemisphere. It’s visible throughout much of the spring but is not easily seen south of 41°S.
How to Locate Messier 3
To find M3:
- Start with Arcturus, the bright orange star in the constellation Boötes.
- Locate Cor Caroli, the brightest star in Canes Venatici.
- M3 lies about halfway between these two stars, just slightly east of center.
This part of the sky isn’t crowded with bright stars, so using a star chart or astronomy app like SkySafari or Stellarium will help you zero in on the cluster.
Tips for Observing M3
- Great for binoculars: At magnitude 6.3, M3 is just out of reach of the unaided eye. But with 7x50 or 10x50 binoculars, you’ll easily spot it as a dim but noticeable patch of light under dark skies.
- Telescope brings it to life: A 4-inch or larger telescope will begin to resolve individual stars at the cluster’s edges. Larger apertures will show the densely packed core with impressive clarity.
- Timing is ideal around midnight: M3 culminates at midnight, but it’s already well-positioned in the eastern sky by mid-evening, rising higher as the night goes on.
- Use moderate magnification: Start with a low-power eyepiece to find the cluster, then slowly increase magnification to enhance detail without losing too much brightness.
- Seek dark skies: M3 is visible from suburban areas, but it truly comes alive in rural or dark-sky locations, where the contrast helps reveal its intricate structure.
April 21st - 22nd
Lyrids Meteor Shower at Its Peak
As April comes to a close, the Lyrids Meteor Shower brings a burst of activity to the night sky. Peaking in the early morning hours of April 22, this annual shower is a long-standing favorite among spring stargazers. The Lyrids typically produce a steady stream of fast meteors, and occasionally, a bright fireball will streak across the sky.
The Lyrids may not be the most prolific shower of the year, but they’re among the oldest recorded, with sightings documented for over 2,700 years. In 2025, viewing conditions are favorable: the waning crescent Moon (about 40% illuminated) rises late, creating only mild interference during peak hours.
Lyrids Meteor Shower at a Glance
- Peak Night: April 21–22, 2025
- Active Period: April 17–26, 2025
- Expected Rate: ~18 meteors/hour (under dark skies)
- Meteor Speed: 29 miles/sec (46.6 km/sec)
- Parent Comet: C/1861 G1 (Thatcher)
Radiant Location:
- Constellation: Lyra (near the bright star Vega)
- Right Ascension: 18h 08m
- Declination: +33.3°
Where and When to Look
The radiant point of the Lyrids — the area in the sky from which the meteors appear to originate — is in the constellation Lyra, near the bright and easily recognizable star Vega.
- Vega rises in the northeast around 10 p.m. local time, and the radiant climbs higher through the night.
- The best viewing window is between midnight and dawn, when the radiant is high and the sky is darkest.
- Northern Hemisphere: Offers the best viewing, with the radiant nearly overhead in the early morning hours.
- Southern Hemisphere: Some Lyrid activity is visible, though the radiant remains lower in the sky, resulting in fewer meteors.
Tips for Watching the Lyrids
- Find a dark sky site: Escape city lights and let your eyes adjust for 20–30 minutes to maximize visibility of faint meteors.
- No telescope required: Meteor showers are best viewed with the naked eye. Telescopes and binoculars limit your field of view.
- Face northeast: Look toward the northeastern horizon, where Lyra and Vega will rise. Meteors can appear anywhere in the sky, so use your peripheral vision.
- Get comfortable: Bring a reclining chair or blanket, dress in warm layers, and use a red flashlight to preserve your night vision.
- Be patient: Meteor showers often come in bursts, with quiet stretches in between. Settle in and watch for at least an hour to catch the best of the show.
April 22nd
Pinwheel Galaxy (M101) at Its Highest
On the night of April 22, the Pinwheel Galaxy (Messier 101) reaches its highest point in the sky, making it an ideal deep-sky target for observers.
This beautiful, face-on spiral galaxy lies in the constellation Ursa Major and is a favorite among deep-sky enthusiasts and astrophotographers. Though its magnitude of 7.9 might sound relatively bright, M101 has low surface brightness, which means it’s best viewed under dark skies using the right observing techniques. With an apparent size nearly twice the diameter of the full Moon, it’s impressively large — but subtle, and best appreciated with patience and preparation.
Pinwheel Galaxy (M101) at a Glance
- Constellation: Ursa Major
- Right Ascension: 14h 03m 10s
- Declination: +54° 20'
- Magnitude: 7.9
- Apparent Size: 23 arcminutes 59 arcseconds (nearly twice the width of the full Moon — but much fainter)
Due to its high northern position, M101 is best observed from the Northern Hemisphere, where it passes nearly overhead for mid- to high-latitude observers. It’s not visible much south of 15°S, but for most northern skywatchers, it's well-placed throughout the night.
How to Locate Messier 101
To find M101, begin with the familiar Big Dipper in Ursa Major:
- Locate Alkaid, the bright star at the tip of the Dipper’s handle.
- Move a few degrees northeast to Mizar, the double star in the handle’s bend.
- Continue scanning slightly farther northeast, just above the line between Alkaid and the constellation Boötes.
This area lacks bright reference stars, so using a detailed star chart or a stargazing app like Stellarium or SkySafari will greatly improve your chances of pinpointing the galaxy — especially under light-polluted skies.
Tips for Observing M101
- Use a telescope: At magnitude 7.9, M101 is invisible to the naked eye. A 4–8 inch telescope under dark skies will reveal a soft, diffuse glow.
- Start with low magnification: Begin with a low-power eyepiece to take in the galaxy’s full size. Once located, gradually increase magnification to explore its brighter core and subtle spiral arms.
- Seek dark skies: M101’s low surface brightness means it easily disappears in city or suburban light pollution. A rural or dark-sky location is essential for the best view.
- Try averted vision: Looking slightly to the side of the galaxy (rather than directly at it) can help your eyes pick up fainter detail — a useful technique for all faint deep-sky objects.